Barcelona comeback caps 3-1 win over Real Oviedo, stay within two points of Real Madrid

Barcelona’s dramatic comeback at Carlos Tartiere

The Catalan giants arrived in Oviedo expecting a routine three points, but the home side opened the scoring within minutes, silencing the traveling fans and forcing Barcelona into a defensive shell. Despite the early shock, the visitors kept their composure and began probing for an answer.

That answer arrived when centre‑back Barcelona comeback turned into a reality, thanks to Eric Garcia’s leveller deep in the second half. The defender rose above the Oviedo backline, nodding home a well‑placed cross that not only equalised but also injected fresh belief into the squad.

Manager Hansi Flick’s tactical tweak paid off when Polish striker Robert Lewandowski entered as a substitute. Within seconds, the former Bayern Munich talisman surged into the box and powered a towering header past the keeper, giving Barcelona the lead they had chased all night. Lewandowski’s cameo epitomised his new “super‑sub” role, a deliberate plan to keep key players fresh for the congested calendar ahead.

A third goal soon followed, cementing the 3-1 victory and restoring order for the Blaugrana supporters who finally witnessed their team’s trademark resilience. The win not only secured three points but also highlighted Barcelona’s depth – a blend of seasoned internationals and hungry youngsters ready to step up when called.

Implications for the title race and off‑field drama

With the three points added to their tally, Barcelona sit just two points behind league leaders Real Madrid, turning the early season into a genuine title showdown. The triumph also sends a clear message to rivals: Barcelona can absorb setbacks and still produce decisive moments.

Beyond the pitch, the match reignited a simmering dispute between Flick and Spain’s national‑team boss Luis de la Fuente over the handling of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. De la Fuente brushed off Flick’s complaints, claiming no recollection of the grievance, while the Barcelona camp pressed for more protective measures for the prodigy during international windows.

Lewandowski, speaking to the media after the game, embraced his rotational role, insisting that it would keep the squad fresher for the crucial knockout fixtures in both the domestic cup and European competition. His comments reflect a broader strategy under Flick: rotate intelligently, avoid burnout, and preserve a high‑intensity style throughout a demanding season.

Real Oviedo, despite the loss, can take pride in having rattled one of Europe’s most storied clubs. Their early goal demonstrated that the newly-promoted side will not be a mere footnote this campaign.

• Goal 1 – Eric Garcia (45+2') – equaliser, header from a corner.
• Goal 2 – Robert Lewandowski (68') – decisive header after coming off the bench.
• Goal 3 – Barcelona (78') – finished the comeback, details undisclosed.
• Real Oviedo’s sole goal – early opener (7') – set the tone before Barcelona’s resurgence.

The victory, combined with the ongoing national‑team debate, showcases a season where on‑field performance and off‑field politics intertwine, shaping Barcelona’s quest for domestic and European success.